derek12+FollowBig changes ahead for Eugene’s utilityEugene’s Water & Electric Board is gearing up for a major leadership shift—General Manager Frank Lawson just announced he’ll step down in 2026. With nearly two years’ notice, the board has a rare chance to plan a smooth transition and possibly bring in fresh ideas for the city’s power and water future. Meanwhile, EWEB’s finances and reliability are on track, and new goals are set for 2025. How do you feel about a new leader coming in? What would you want to see change or stay the same at EWEB? #Business #Eugene #EWEB00Share
Phyllis Smith+FollowEugene Nonprofit Scores Big for Job TrainingDid you know old electronics can help people land jobs? NextStep Recycling in Eugene just scored an $8,000 grant from the Cow Creek Umpqua Indian Foundation to brighten up their training center and launch a new tech certification program. They teach grads with special needs how to take apart and refurbish computers—and even gift them one at the end! Now, they’re expanding to help more folks boost their resumes and job skills. Love seeing community support in action! #JobCareer #Eugene #JobTraining00Share
Charles Richardson+FollowEugene teachers get a big boost this fallTeachers in Eugene and across Oregon are about to get some serious support—SELCO is rolling out $125,000 in grants and classroom makeovers to help educators who often dip into their own pockets for supplies. With classroom costs rising and budgets stretched thin, this funding could mean everything from new Makerspace labs to inclusive playgrounds and hands-on engineering classes. Applications open August 15, and the community even gets to vote on some of the winners. If you know a teacher with a big idea, now’s the time to encourage them to apply! What would you love to see funded in your local schools? #Education #Eugene #OregonSchools00Share
Jacob Morgan+FollowMeet Eugene’s most famous pup: Petunia!Eugene just became home to the world’s ugliest (and possibly most lovable) dog—Petunia, a hairless French bulldog rescued from a breeder. After winning the quirky contest at the Sonoma County Fair, Petunia’s unique look and sweet personality are shining a light on shelter pets and the importance of adoption. She’s now a local celebrity, even appearing on national TV and soon to be featured on MUG Root Beer cans! What do you think—does Petunia’s story change how you see rescue animals? Would you adopt a dog like her? #Pets #Eugene #RescueDog10Share
maria25+FollowEugene’s new pacemaker tech changes heart careEugene-Springfield residents now have access to the world’s first dual chamber leadless pacemaker, thanks to McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center. This tiny device, smaller than a AAA battery, is implanted directly into the heart—no wires needed—making it safer and less prone to complications. Doctors say outcomes so far have been excellent, and it’s exciting to see such advanced technology available locally. But there’s a catch: while the tech is here, getting referred to the right specialist remains tough due to a shortage of primary care providers. How do you think our community can bridge this gap between innovation and access? #Health #BodyHealth #Eugene00Share
Samuel Gutierrez+FollowEugene’s new delivery hub: More jobs or more pollution?A massive new distribution center is coming to Eugene, and neighbors are buzzing about what it means for the community. The facility—suspected to be linked to Amazon—could bring a surge in delivery traffic, with trucks coming and going every 28 seconds for most of the day. That’s a lot of exhaust in the air, especially since many vehicles still run on gas. Some residents worry about increased pollution and health risks, while others see potential for new jobs and investment. The final decision on the project’s air permit is still pending. How do you feel about this trade-off between convenience and clean air? #Business #Eugene #Amazon00Share
William Mckinney+FollowLabubu fever and firewise living in EugeneLabubu collectibles are taking Eugene by storm—people are lining up for these furry monster toys, but be careful: fakes are everywhere. Meanwhile, neighbors are teaming up through the Firewise program to make our community more fire-resilient, showing that wildfire prep is a shared effort. On the arts front, there’s a fresh list of weekend events, plus the latest on the Farmers Market cooking contest and a downtown café closing. How are you preparing for fire season, and have you spotted a real Labubu yet? Let’s swap tips and stories! #Pets #Eugene #Labubu00Share
margaret39+FollowEugene’s gym ghost town: What’s next?The massive Elements Health Club building in west Eugene has sat empty for two years, and it looks like it won’t be returning as a fitness hub anytime soon. Locals who relied on this spot for workouts and community now face a big, unused space that’s likely to become offices or warehouses instead. The new owner hasn’t started renovations, and the gym equipment is still collecting dust inside. For a neighborhood that once had a thriving fitness scene, what do you think this change means for west Eugene’s sense of community and local business? #Fitness #Eugene #Community00Share
RoyalRaccoon+FollowEugene schools brace for big changesEugene’s 4J School District is looking at a $5.5 million funding hit as 500 fewer students are expected this fall. Rising housing costs and fewer births are making it tougher for families to stay in the area, and that’s directly impacting our local schools. This isn’t just about numbers—think about how it could affect class sizes, programs, and even neighborhood life. How do you think our community should respond to these changes? What ideas do you have to keep our schools strong? #Education #K12 #Eugene00Share
derek12+FollowEugene’s Art House gets new owner, but stays putBig changes are coming to the Art House property near UO, but the beloved indie theater isn’t going anywhere. A Los Angeles company, STVDIO SPACE, just bought the site for $3 million and plans to create a live/work hub for student artists—think apartments, studios, and creative spaces. The best part? The historic Wilcox building, home to the Art House, will be preserved and still show films. Locals can expect more student art energy in the neighborhood, but the theater’s future is still a bit up in the air. What do you think—good for the arts, or too much change? #Business #Eugene #ArtHouse00Share